Telling His story through your story
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you. – John 14: 26
The number one fear when you ask someone about sharing their faith is “I don’t know what to say.” Jesus’ disciples had the same fear. Our fears stem from assuming we need a doctorate in Biblical studies to be able to reason with every argument that may come our way. But I would like you to consider a different approach. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would do two things for us.
1. Teach us all things. That means He will help us “get it”. He will make His presence real in our experiences, strengthening our trust. He will make it part of who we are, building our character.
2. Remind us of everything. God will help us live what he has taught us, making Jesus our focus instead of us and our problems.
Dr. Timothy Keller phrased it in a memorable way: “To remember in the Bible is to have life-controlling consciousness of something–bringing something you know in your mind into the center of your consciousness so that it dominates your behavior.”
You don’t have to be an expert, but in a way, you are. You are the only expert of your own life and your own experiences. No one knows your life better than you. And no one knows how God has impacted you and your life better than you do. So, tell your story. Tell your “God story”. How did he get you through a specific experience? How does he help you day by day? There is no room for argument when you just tell others what God means to you. A witness in a courtroom simply tells people what they saw. They don’t argue a side, weigh any evidence, or pass any judgments. Be a witness. Tell your story. Through His Word, God planted the knowledge, instilled the trust, and reminds you of His love…just like He promised He would.
Dear Jesus, You set aside your glory in Heaven to come into our story on Earth. Your forgiveness assures us. Your love changes us. Give us the courage to tell our story with your love in the center of it. Amen.